IndonesiBrief.com – The 2026 IBL All Indonesian tournament, a showcase for homegrown talent, got under way on Saturday at GOR Laga Tangkas in Cibinong, Bogor regency, with four games on the opening day and an attendance list that spanned several generations of Indonesian basketball.
Former national players Bambang Hermansyah, AF Rinaldo, Amin Prihantono, Agustinus Sigar, Faisal Julius and Cokorda Raka Satya Wibawa were among the figures who watched the opening fixtures from the stands.
Entertainers also joined the crowd, including singer Fuji, Erika and veteran actress Maudy Koesnaedi. Their presence added a festive note to the opening and drew additional attention to the tournament, underscoring basketball’s growing place in the country’s entertainment and lifestyle scene.
Now in its third edition, the tournament is being staged under the theme “Our Game, Our Turn”, a nod to its purpose of giving local players a platform to prove themselves. For clubs, it also serves as a testing ground ahead of the 2027 Indonesian Basketball League (IBL) season.
This year’s event comes amid considerable squad movement. A total of 38 players have switched clubs, while 23 rookies are taking part. Satya Wacana Salatiga has fielded the most rookies of any team in the tournament.
IBL president director Junas Miradiarsyah said the competition was about more than silverware.
“IBL All Indonesian 2026 is presented as a stage for Indonesian local players. Many clubs are preparing young players for the 2027 IBL season. Through this tournament, clubs have the opportunity to try out team combinations and see how their young players are developing,” Junas said.
He said the high volume of transfers and the number of rookies on court reflected clubs’ efforts to build their squads for the coming season.
“The 38 player movements and the presence of 23 rookies show an interesting dynamic. Clubs are not only chasing results, but also using this tournament to build team strength. We hope the young players can make the most of this opportunity to show their quality,” he added.
The presence of the former internationals carried its own symbolism. Having helped shape the national competition in earlier eras, they were now watching a new generation seek its footing at the professional level.
The tournament runs from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1. The group stage will be played from Oct. 24 to 29, followed by the semifinals on Oct. 31. The two surviving teams will meet in the final on Nov. 1.
By taking the tournament to Bogor regency, the league hopes to bring the atmosphere of professional basketball closer to local communities. Organizers say they expect the event to produce fresh talent and to strengthen the foundations of Indonesian basketball as the country heads into the next domestic season.
